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Juneteenth, the newest federal holiday, is gaining awareness WGBHJae C. Hong / APBy Alana WiseJune 19, 2023The date comm...
06/19/2023

Juneteenth, the newest federal holiday, is gaining awareness WGBH
Jae C. Hong / AP
By Alana Wise
June 19, 2023
The date commemorates the fall of slavery in Galveston, Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863 to free enslaved Black people held in the Confederacy.

News of Union troops' victory over the Confederates spread slowly across the South, eventually reaching the shores of Galveston in 1865.

"We are not celebrating the history of Juneteenth. We are celebrating the symbolism of Juneteenth," said Leslie Wilson, professor of history at Montclair State University in New Jersey.

"You could say that Juneteenth had a renaissance, largely because when World War II was over and soldiers came home, it was the second Great Migration. People started traveling from various points in the South to points in the north and points in the West," Wilson said.

Widespread recognition of the holiday was slow moving. For years, it was a relatively obscure holiday celebrated among Black people with little acknowledgment or understanding from outside cultures and communities.

In 2021, when the holiday gained federal recognition, just 37 percent of American adults said they knew at least something about Juneteenth, according to polling by Gallup.

Just a year later, that number would spike to nearly 60 percent.

As the holiday has grown in popularity, many Black people have celebrated the idea that African-American history would be more widely recognized as part of the fabric of the United States.

"As a Black person, it means a lot to me to celebrate everybody who was free because it's like so many people don't know," said Precious Williams, a Dallas native who was visiting D.C. over the holiday weekend.

"The significance of it becoming an official holiday is really the fact that it raised awareness of Juneteenth beyond communities that had [already] been commemorating Juneteenth. Beyond that, it seems that the significance, unfortunately, also brings with it some commodification of that day and sort of commercialization of that day as well," said Amara Enyia, a public policy expert in Chicago.

And politically, the holiday has been weaponized by some Republicans as part of an ongoing culture war that claims truthful acknowledgments of race and racism are a ploy to demonize white Americans.

Despite these controversies, for many Monday is an opportunity to reflect on America and its history, as well as consider what the future might hold.

"Juneteenth celebrations are a chance for this country, for the United States to rethink not only its origins, but the relationship of everybody who lives in this country to each other," said Greg Carr, associate professor of Africana Studies at Howard University.

"In many ways, Juneteenth symbolically becomes a litmus test for the possibilities of this country." [Copyright 2023 NPR]

What is allyship?:'A person who is a member of the dominant group who works to end oppression in his or her own personal...
06/01/2023

What is allyship?:
'A person who is a member of the dominant group who works to end oppression in his or her own personal or professional life by supporting and advocating with the oppressed population.’
How to be a better ally?:
LGBTQ+ reading before attending Pride:
What Does It Mean To Misgender Someone
Please Stop Asking LGBTQ+ People About Their S*x Life
How To Talk To People Who Are Transgender and Non-Binary
What Does It Mean To Be Bisexual Or Bi?
What’s The Difference Between S*x and Gender
What Does It Mean to Identify as Genderqueer?

caratirrellcounseling.com

06/01/2023

High school seniors,

“You’re going to junior college? That sounds amazing!
I can’t wait to see what great things you’ll do.”

“You’re enlisting in the Navy? That sounds amazing!
I can’t wait to see what great things you’ll do.”

“You’re leaning towards esthetician school? That sounds amazing!
I can’t wait to see what great things you’ll do.”

“You’re headed to vocational school? That sounds amazing.
I can’t wait to see what great things you’ll do.”

“You’re becoming an electrical apprentice? That sounds amazing.
I can’t wait to see what great things you’ll do.”

“You’re joining the workforce right away? That sounds amazing.
I can’t wait to see what great things you’ll do.”

Not everyone goes to a 4 year university.
This graduation season, let’s remind teenagers that this country runs on people, not just degrees.

While conflict and disagreements are common, it’s also important to know that they’re normal—especially with the people ...
05/24/2023

While conflict and disagreements are common, it’s also important to know that they’re normal—especially with the people who you interact with regularly. It's not conflicts that are the hard part, it's how you choose to deal with them.
It’s not always easy to address disagreements, but here are a few tips to better communication.
1. Give space-you don't have to confront everything in the heat of the moment.
2. Don't take it personal-allow other perspectives to be considered.
3. Think about the resolution in terms of what we both can live with, not just "winning."
4. Avoid filling in the blanks-there are many reasons for other's behaviors.
5. Practice listening-this may be a huge part of the conflict, one or both of the parties doesn't feel heard.

caratirrellcounseling.com

Every May we take extra time to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month ...
05/22/2023

Every May we take extra time to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month by shining a light on AAPI experiences and historical contributions.
We also recognize the need to face ugly truths about events of racism, xenophobia, and violence targeted towards AAPI communities. When we are honest about the past, we can begin to heal from the wounds of hate and in doing so, make a better future together.

caratirrellcounseling.com

If the past few years has taught us anything, it's that mental health issues are present and on the rise. What are menta...
05/17/2023

If the past few years has taught us anything, it's that mental health issues are present and on the rise. What are mental health advocates indicating are the trends in mental health for 2023?
1. Employee mental health is now becoming a line budget item. It's becoming a priority.
2. Stigma surrounding mental health has decreased. More people are talking and accessing treatment.
3. There's an increase in mental health for students in our school systems.
4. Inequity in mental health treatment is starting to be noted and addressed. Diversity, equity and inclusivity are becoming a priority in mental health treatment.
5. Telehealth has become a norm in how people access their treatment.

caratirrellcounseling.com

05/13/2023

There are many reasons why Mother's Day may not be the happy day that is shown on tv or social media. There are losses, conflicted feelings and severed relationships. For many the day brings sadness or even trauma filled memories.
Mother’s Day can be an opportunity to not only celebrate but to remember and comfort others. The day need not be happy to be important. Often we struggle in responding to people who are sad, but here are a few ideas to help you start:
To someone aching to be a mother, but who has not been able to conceive or who has experienced a miscarriage, give her flowers with a note saying you remember her. Do not try to make her pain go away. Just let your support be a comfort.
To someone grieving the death of a child, whether a few months ago or many years, ask about her son or daughter. Ask if she would like to share stories and memories. Even if she is not able to at that moment, she’ll be thankful someone remembered. Donate to a charity in memory of her child and let her know. Even if a mother has other living children, she still misses her child who died. To adults grieving the death of a mother, whether a few months ago or many years, ask them what was special about their mothers. “What do you remember most? What lessons did she teach that remain in you?”To women who chose, or were forced, to give up babies through adoption or abortion, give them space to mourn. Acknowledge their loss. They don’t need more judgment. To adult children whose mothers abused them growing up, listen to their pain. Ask if there are other women in their lives that have been special to them. Would they want to honor those women?

caratirrellcounseling.com

Some people must have the last word because they feel like they have something to prove. They feel they can save face an...
05/10/2023

Some people must have the last word because they feel like they have something to prove. They feel they can save face and make themselves right if they have the last word. Having the last word may be their way of putting someone in their place. It's also a way someone may use protect their image and self-esteem.

If you insist on having the last word, you risk shutting down communication, and you can’t reach a compromise. You can ruin business deals, company growth, and personal and professional relationships. Insisting on having the last word can make you appear selfish, where you're only concerned about yourself and your viewpoints.

Realize that someone else having the last word doesn't mean that they're right and you're wrong. It means that they're not willing to back down at the moment. You don't have to participate in a conversation that isn't going anywhere. You can politely pause the conversation until another time. If you talk to the person about their insistence on the last word, ask them to help you understand what's happening. Understanding why they have the last word can help you address other concerns that are getting in the way of effective communication.

caratirrellcounseling.com

Typically, we experience a primary emotion like fear, loss, or sadness first. Because these emotions create feelings of ...
05/03/2023

Typically, we experience a primary emotion like fear, loss, or sadness first. Because these emotions create feelings of vulnerability and loss of control, they make us uncomfortable. One way of attempting to deal with these feelings is by subconsciously shifting into anger. The goal of anger management is to reduce both your emotional feelings and the physiological arousal that anger causes. You can’t get rid of, or avoid, the things or the people that enrage you, nor can you change them, but you can learn to control your reactions.
Some simple steps you can try:
Breathe deeply, from your diaphragm; breathing from your chest won’t relax you. Picture your breath coming up from your “gut.”
Slowly repeat a calm word or phrase such as “relax,” “take it easy.” Repeat it to yourself while breathing deeply.
Use imagery; visualize a relaxing experience, from either your memory or your imagination. Nonstrenuous, slow yoga-like exercises can relax your muscles and make you feel much calmer.
Practice these techniques daily. Learn to use them automatically when you’re in a tense situation.

Navigating friendships can be hard enough, but when we feel there is an inequity or we feel taken advantage of, there ca...
04/26/2023

Navigating friendships can be hard enough, but when we feel there is an inequity or we feel taken advantage of, there can be feelings of resentment and misunderstandings.
Here are 5 ways to set up healthy boundaries in a friendship:
1. Have an honest conversation with yourself and identify cause, triggers and your role in the situation.
2. Remember you can only control yourself.
3. Restructure the relationship to properly reflect a healthy interaction.
4. Know your "no" and when you are ready to say "yes."
5. It's ok to re-evaluate the friendship and make sure it is working for you.

caratirrellcounseling.com

How does increasing our social support system help us? Experts say that almost all of us benefit from social and emotion...
04/24/2023

How does increasing our social support system help us?
Experts say that almost all of us benefit from social and emotional support. And though it may seem counterintuitive, having strong social support can actually make you more able to cope with problems on your own, by improving your self-esteem and sense of autonomy. Emotionally supportive friends and family who see you as capable, for example, and can help you focus on next steps for addressing your concerns.
You don’t need a huge network of friends and family to benefit from social support, however. Some people find camaraderie among just a handful of people, be they coworkers, neighbors, or friends from their church or religious institution, for instance.
Yet social skills don’t always come naturally. Some people have trouble making social connections. Many others lose established connections due to life changes such as retirement, relocation, or the death of a loved one. In any case, it’s possible to forge new connections to reap the benefits of a healthy support network.

What to do on Earth Day 2023?Here are some ideas to inspire you this year.Support Our Pollinators! ...Clean Up Plastic i...
04/22/2023

What to do on Earth Day 2023?
Here are some ideas to inspire you this year.
Support Our Pollinators! ...
Clean Up Plastic in Your Neighborhood or Local Park. ...
Swap Out Your Kitchen and Household Products! ..
Plant a Tree! ...
Use Wildflowers and Native Plants. ...
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle in the Garden. ...
Stop Pesticides and Chemicals in the Garden. ...
Conserve Water!

caratirrellcounseling.com

Why can making decisions be so hard sometimes? It can be a low impact decision, like what to have for dinner or it can b...
04/19/2023

Why can making decisions be so hard sometimes? It can be a low impact decision, like what to have for dinner or it can be high impact like where will you live. But either way, it can cause stress, indecisiveness or self-doubt. The easiest way to make a decision is to take the judgement and emotion out of it. Here are a few tips to do just that:
1. Think it all the way through-in both directions.
2. Live with the idea of each decision and consequences to both.
3. Look at all the pros and cons of each.
4. Talk it out.
5. Rethink the options.
6. Write it all down.
7. Bounce ideas off a friend.

caratirrellcounseling.com

It's ok to try again....caratirrellcounseling.com
04/17/2023

It's ok to try again....
caratirrellcounseling.com

There is a variety of reasons that teens want to go into therapy (willingly:) Teens don't need to be experiencing specif...
04/12/2023

There is a variety of reasons that teens want to go into therapy (willingly:) Teens don't need to be experiencing specific symptoms of mental illness to benefit from therapy. Some other reasons that teens might want to think about psychotherapy include:
A desire to gain greater self-awareness
A desire to talk about difficult topics to people other than friends or family
A need to discuss sexuality, sexual orientation, or gender identity
Autism
Dealing with a disability
Difficulty adjusting to changes in life
Eating disorder symptoms such as restrictive eating or binge eating
Feelings of loneliness
Problems with negative thinking
Romantic relationships
Self-harm or risky behaviors
Struggles with identity or self-worth
Troubles coping with a chronic health condition
Issues stemming from racial or cultural discrimination

caratirrellcounseling.com

The issue of boundaries is often brought up in therapy. There is a lot of importance placed on developing strategies to ...
04/08/2023

The issue of boundaries is often brought up in therapy. There is a lot of importance placed on developing strategies to tell others "this is what I'm ok with and this is what I'm not ok with." The work is done in saying "no" and honoring when someone else says "no" to you. The following are a list of where boundaries are needed:
1) Physical Boundaries. ...
2) S*xual Boundaries. ...
3) Emotional or Mental Boundaries. ...
4) Spiritual or Religious Boundaries. ...
5) Financial and Material Boundaries. ...
6) Time Boundaries. ...
7) Non-Negotiable Boundaries...
What's important to remember is these boundaries can look different in every situation and can be flexible and everchanging. Boundaries make our expectations clear, so others know what to expect from us and how we want to be treated. Boundaries are the foundation for happy, healthy relationships.

caratirrellcounseling.com

I have worked with those who have been identified as having a hoarding disorder for over 25 years. I would see this diso...
04/05/2023

I have worked with those who have been identified as having a hoarding disorder for over 25 years. I would see this disorder in all communities, oftentimes being called in when public health is being affected. Most recently, I participated in a town run hoarding task force. In my experience, I found this one of the most difficult disorders to disrupt and provide intervention for. For assistance in the local area, contact http://strongcommunity.org/clearpath-hoarding/
They provide clutter coaching and peer support groups that seem to be effective in support those working on reducing the clutter in their homes and advocating for a reduction in harm surrounding the obsessive quality that causes the accumulation in the first place.

Hoarding disorder is a mental health condition characterized by saving items that appear to have little or no worth, often accumulating everything from magazines, animals or even f***s. People with hoarding disorder find themselves accumulating items to the point where the objects overrun their living spaces. On top of emotional and mental health concerns, hoarding disorder can present a physical danger to the person struggling with the condition and the people they share their home with. Stress, shame, and anxiety are just some of the feelings that can accompany this serious mental health issue. Hoarding disorder is typically impulsive, lacks organization, and rarely involves giving up items once obtained. While not all hoarding behavior is disruptive, many people with the disorder feel ashamed of the clutter in their homes and intentionally do not show it to others. Many people with hoarding disorder have other mental health conditions. According to the APA, 75% of people with the condition also have a mood or anxiety disorder.
This is a complex and layered disorder that is not indicative of psychosis or low intellect, it is a behavior often associated with trauma and an attempt to prevent further harm by accumulation.

caratirrellcounseling.com

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